B-737 air carrier crew reported a conflict with another aircraft's wingtip during taxi from the ramp. The crew was unable to determine wingtip clearance and the Captain braked aggressively to stop; and a flight attendant was slightly injured in the cabin; then continued taxi when the aircraft cleared.
Synopsis
B-737 air carrier crew reported a conflict with another aircraft's wingtip during taxi from the ramp. The crew was unable to determine wingtip clearance and the Captain braked aggressively to stop; and a flight attendant was slightly injured in the cabin; then continued taxi when the aircraft cleared.
Narrative
It was dusk on the ZZZ ramp; we were instructed to taxi out to the north port on the XX-Line. A Company 757 had pushed out onto the XY-line and their horizontal stabilizer appeared to be slightly over the middle line as well. The Captain asked if we had clearance from them and I said I was unsure so we should stop. It was getting dark and at the angle we were at it was difficult to see exactly how far their horizontal stabilizer was sticking out and whether it was a threat or not to our wingtip. We still had a little space to edge up and I thought if I could get a better angle I could tell if we had clearance or not; so I suggested that we slowly move forward a little. The captain began moving the aircraft slowly; but I still could not tell if we had clearance so I said to stop. I didn't sense the aircraft stopping and I wasn't sure if he heard me; so I said stop" again more emphatically; after which the captain applied the brakes more firmly and the aircraft stopped abruptly. We waited for the aircraft to clear out of the way before continuing our taxi. Taxi and takeoff were uneventful. During our climb out after we turned off the sterile light the purser called the flight deck and told us one of the flight attendants cut his arm during the abrupt stop. She said that they opened the medical kit for a band aid; but that he was doing ok and was able to continue his duties. We called back after about half an hour to check on him and he was still doing ok and continuing his duties; so we elected to continue. The rest of the flight was uneventful. Next time If there is any doubt about clearance I will recommend just waiting for the other aircraft to clear out of the way instead of taxiing unnecessarily close requiring an abrupt stop."
Second reporter narrative
Taxi out; while moving very slowly had to brake aggressively. At cruise FA called to say they had opened first aid kit to get band aid for scrape on arm that occurred on taxi out. Person A was the FA injured.
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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.